Pocono memories: Yesterdays Photo 774

Sunday

Nov 18, 2012 at 12:01 AM

During Mount Pocono's 50th anniversary celebration, the Pocono Male Chorus entertained the crowd during the borough's daylong party, according to the photo's original story and caption, which was published in the Pocono Record on July 18, 1977. Most folks today would know the singing group as The Chorus of the Poconos.

During Mount Pocono's 50th anniversary celebration, the Pocono Male Chorus entertained the crowd during the borough's daylong party, according to the photo's original story and caption, which was published in the Pocono Record on July 18, 1977. Most folks today would know the singing group as The Chorus of the Poconos.

Russ Speicher, the group's founder, is shown conducting the well-known chorus. Speicher was also director of the Pocono Mountain High School band for many years, Jack Hamblin of Swiftwater wrote.

"Russ left us over 10 years ago, and I'm sure he's directing some of these same men in that great barbershop chorus in the sky," wrote Tom Salmon, current director of the group.

Charter member Pete Tyreman is shown in back row, far left, Salmon wrote. Next to him is Ed Werkheiser.

Front row, third from the left, could be a young Jim Dyson, now a music teacher for Pocono Mountain School District.

Ron and Judy Martinell of Scotrun added names to the list of identifications: First row, far left, is Bruce Frantz; his brother, Dayton Frantz, is in the same row, fourth from left.

To Dayton Frantz's left is Dick Miller, wearing the dark glasses and checkered pants, wrote Hamblin.